Processing keyword: ～にとって (〜ni totte)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にとって (〜ni totte)

JLPT Grammar Point: ～にとって (〜ni totte)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～にとって (〜ni totte) is used to express a perspective, opinion, or evaluation from the standpoint of someone or something. It is an essential expression in Japanese for conveying subjective judgments or feelings about a topic.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Equivalent: "For...", "To...", "From the viewpoint of...", "As far as... is concerned"

Usage

• Function: Indicates the perspective or standpoint of a person or entity regarding a matter or situation.
• Context: Commonly used to show how something is perceived or valued by someone.

Structure

Noun + にとって + Sentence

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

～にとって vs. ～には

• ～にとって: Used to express a subjective evaluation or opinion from someone's perspective.
  • Example: 学生にとって、この本は役に立ちます。
    "For students, this book is useful."
• ～には: Often used to indicate a characteristic or attribute relating to someone or something.
  • Example: この本は学生には難しいです。
    "This book is difficult for students."

～にとって vs. ～として

• ～にとって: Emphasizes perspective or opinion.
  • Example: 私にとって、彼は大切な友人です。
    "To me, he is an important friend."
• ～として: Indicates a role, capacity, or function.
  • Example: 彼は医者として働いています。
    "He is working as a doctor."

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 環境にとって、プラスチックの削減は必要不可欠です。
   Translation: "Reducing plastic is essential for the environment."
2. 会社にとって、利益よりも信頼が重要です。
   Translation: "Trust is more important than profit for a company."

Informal Speech

1. 君にとって、一番大切なものは何？
   Translation: "What's the most important thing to you?"
2. 彼女にとって、結果はどうでもいいみたいだ。
   Translation: "She doesn't seem to care about the result."

Written Context

1. 国民にとって、安全は最優先事項です。
   Translation: "Safety is the top priority for the citizens."
2. この発見は科学界にとって大きな一歩となるでしょう。
   Translation: "This discovery will be a big step for the scientific community."

Spoken Context

1. 子供にとって、それは理解しにくい話だ。
   Translation: "That story is hard to understand for children."
2. スポーツ選手にとって、健康管理は欠かせない。
   Translation: "For athletes, health management is essential."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasizing Perspective: Japanese culture values understanding and expressing different perspectives to maintain harmony. Using ～にとって allows speakers to acknowledge individual viewpoints respectfully.

Levels of Politeness

• The expression ～にとって itself is neutral and can be used in both polite and casual speech. Adjust the politeness by modifying the verbs and sentence endings.

Idiomatic Expressions

While ～にとって is not typically part of idiomatic expressions, mastering its usage is crucial for understanding phrases that express opinions or perspectives in Japanese.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching にとって to Verbs Directly
   • Incorrect: 彼にとって食べるのが好きです。
     (Attaching にとって directly to a verb.)
   • Correct: 彼は食べるのが好きです。
     "He likes eating."
   • Explanation: ～にとって should be attached to nouns, not verbs. It indicates the perspective of a noun.
2. Confusing にとって with ために
   • Incorrect: 健康のにとって、運動します。
     (Using にとって instead of ために to express purpose.)
   • Correct: 健康のために、運動します。
     "I exercise for my health."
   • Explanation: Use ために to express purpose or reason (meaning "in order to"), not にとって.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that とって comes from 取る (to take). Think of "taking a perspective" from someone.
• Practice with Perspectives: Write sentences from different viewpoints (e.g., "For me...", "For parents...", "For animals...") to get comfortable with using ～にとって.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～にとって is used to express a subjective perspective or opinion.
• Attach にとって to a noun to indicate whose viewpoint is being considered.
• Be cautious not to confuse にとって with other similar grammar points like には or として.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of ～にとって?
   • Answer: To express a perspective, opinion, or evaluation from someone's standpoint.
2. Choose the correct sentence using ～にとって:
   a) この本は、私にとって面白いです。
   b) この本は、私をとって面白いです。
   • Answer: a) この本は、私にとって面白いです。
3. Translate the following sentence using ～にとって:
   "For children, playing is important."
   • Answer: 子供にとって、遊ぶことは大切です。

By mastering ～にとって, you'll enhance your ability to express opinions and perspectives in Japanese, making your conversations more nuanced and empathetic.